Snake Soup
Ryan Andrews
When you’re searching for what some people consider an eclectic item, it makes it a lot more satisfying if you have to do a little work to find it. That’s why I have no address or name for you today (and it's also because I don’t read Chinese). So, just head down Tai Yuen Street off of Johnston Road (it’s the market street selling stuff you probably don’t need) and about half way down on the right you'll find a small shop with some counter seating slinging bowls of fabulous snake soup. You’ll know you're there when you see the cartoonish signs of snakes and turtles on the storefront.
Two sizes are served, the smallest bowl being around $20 but still extremely filling. It’s a thick base with mushrooms strewn throughout and loads of thick pieces of snake meat. Piping hot and perfect for the recent cold spell.
Don’t be turned off by snake. It’s tasty, and lean. In fact, don’t be turned off by anything. One of the benefits of living in Asia is we get to try a variety of wonderful and exotic cuisines, whether it be grasshoppers in Bangkok, horse sashimi in Tokyo, or balut in Manila (ok, that last one was mentally tough -- just Google it).
The point here is that some of these items are delicious, but they require you to exercise mind over matter. Many of us love chicken wings, whether deep fried or covered in hot sauce. Have you ever really pulled apart and examined a chicken wing? It’s not that appealing.
Just remember: someone had to eat the first oyster. Might as well have been you.
Tai Yuen Street, Wan Chai
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2 Comments Add your comment
Im about as commfortable eating snakes as i am eating sharkfin soup... not that theyre not both delicious. I just can't bring myself to do it. Oh and I dont like chicken wings either
u tell too much! the shop is small, you know!
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